Ashlesha : [16°40’ – 30°00’ Cancer]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Ashlesha is the ninth asterism of the zodiac. It extends from 106°40’ to 120°0’ and completely resides within the sign of Cancer. It consists of a circle of six stars in the constellation of Hydra, the female water snake. The meaning of Ashlesha is entangle the person or object completely. The nakshatra is ruled by Mercury and the sign Cancer is governed by the Moon. The motivating force of the nakshatra is Dharma, principle. Its basic attribute is rajsik, however, it is sattva at secondary and tertiary level. The deity of nakshatra is Naga, the serpent king and it presents Kundalini or serpent fire which is located in the base of spine in the coil form. One can experience the enlightenment when Kundalini Shakti is awakened.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

The serpent symbol is deeply associated with the man’s psyche right from the time immemorial. All ancient religions of the world had used this symbol in many different allegories. In Indian ancient literature, serpent symbol has been used widely. Although reptile snake is the most feared one because it can kill the object with its fatal bite, that happens only when it is provoked, does not matter whether intentionally or not. Otherwise he follows his own path. Kundalini Shakti is a mystic knowledge which is directly connected with spiritual awakening. There are three things connected with this symbol – one is snake, second is poison and third is mysticism. This energy is generally understood to be quite dangerous but if one can awaken the Kundalini energy then he can liberate himself within one birth.

According to Christianity the beginning of the world happens due to the presence of snake. Had the serpent not induced Eve to eat the apple in the Garden of Eden perhaps the beginning of the world would not have taken place. In Indian literature serpent energy is used in various forms. All our gods and goddesses have had serpent as one of their ornaments. It is also believed the world is balanced on the head of Sheshnaga, the huge serpent. According to another fable, Vishnu floats in the Kshira-Sagar, the ocean of milk on the bed of a huge snake. When the churning of the ocean took place at the beginning of the cosmic creation by the gods and demons the Sheshnaga was used as the churning rope. Lord Shiva and serpent are synonymous to each other. Serpent energy or Kundalini Shakti is considered the most electrifying energy in the world of spirituality. Besides, snake is also deeply connected with sex, power, money, wealth and hidden knowledge. In India snakes are worshiped widely.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: people born under the Ashlesha – Mercury – Moon combination are highly intelligent, clever and understand human psyche perfectly. They possess a great potential for mental development. They are intellectually very sharp and understand the nuances of whichever art they take up seriously in life. Their latent knowledge of understanding new challenges is terrific and they have the ability to become masters at whatever they do. Their personality remains mysterious and they are unpredictable in their behavioural pattern also. They carry some sort of split personality which is why they could be extremely good or bad according to the situation.

You are active, willing to take initiatives and capable of putting all your energy behind it. You are a keen observer of your surroundings and learn at the speed of light. You cannot tolerate any form of personal humiliation and if you are provoked by somebody or even by a situation, you make sure you prove your worth convincingly. Many times, you become aware of your real potential only after facing trauma in life. You also have a phenomenal ability to rise from the ashes. You are quite reclusive, self-reliant and happy with your isolation. You are very kind and gentle, and willing to help those who seek help from you.

Your Drawbacks: You are not completely aware of your temper; many times it takes you by surprise. Sometimes, your worries; fears and even mental instability create a chaotic environment for you. Your restlessness and self-deception can lead to psychic ability.

Pushya : [3°20’ – 16°40’ Cancer]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Pushya is the eighth nakshatra of the zodiac which extends from 93°20’ to 106°40’ and entirely resides in the sign of Cancer. It consists of three faint stars, looks like a triangle. The sign Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The presiding deity of the nakshatra is God Brahaspati who is also identified with the planet Jupiter. According to the Vedic literature lord Shiva made Brahaspati into the planet Jupiter. The literal meaning of Pushya is to nourish and it is also considered a god like nakshatra which is highly auspicious. The lord of Pushya nakshatra is Saturn which indicates that the tamsik proclivities are also attached with this nakshatra. Jupiter gets exalted here. The nakshatra is closely associated with two different powerful planets Saturn and Jupiter which also play their important role here. The basic attribute of nakshatra is rajas, with sattva at a secondary level and tamas at a tertiary level. The primary motivation of nakshatra is Dharma, honour.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

Jupiter means expansion, growth, development. Its basic job is to nourish then protect that is why it is known as the most beneficiary planet of the zodiac. Saturn is just opposite to Jupiter. It believes in crystallizing the matter to perfection that can only be possible through concretizing and condensing the whole process. They may look opposite but as a matter of fact both are complemented to each other because to stabilize the materializing energy. It is very important that two opposite forces should be in action. Due to this paradoxical process an entirely new form starts taking place. This phenomenon can also be noticed in the symbol of a flower, circle and arrow. These three symbols of Pushya have a very essential role to play.

The first symbol of nakshatra is flower which indicates that flowering of the soul has started taking place but it does not give any direction as such. Spiritual perfection is directly related with the flowering of lotus, which is directly associated with the spiritual awakening of the soul or Kundalini Shakti. That stage hasn’t arrived here but flowering is taking place which means some sort of germination of spiritual process is already taking place. The second symbol of the asterism is a circle and third is arrow. Circle also indicates that completion is taking place and with the arrow one can find its target within the circle.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Pushya – Saturn – Moon combination creates quite a paradoxical situation for the person in the beginning. There is confusion, lack of clarity and sometimes a very negative atmosphere which throws challenges and gives you opportunity to prove yourself. Limitations created by Pushya in the beginning work tremendously in the person’s favour because it helps to condense and crystallize all the energy and force available to the individual who cannot blossom in the real sense but optimum achievement can be gained.

There is tremendous urge to mature as fast as possible. You are not unduly agitated at any point of time in your life because you carry tremendous faith in yourself and know that fullness of life will take place ultimately. You always have unflinching confidence in yourself and believe in the divine plan. You face two sorts of adversities in life – either circumstantially or created by yourself. The day realization hits you, you are a transformed person. You want to help those who have fallen and are trapped in your sort of situation. Your understanding of human psyche and relationship is marvellous.

Your Drawbacks: You can be arrogant, stubborn and selfish at times. Sometimes, you self-indulgence in a wrong habit could be quite scary. You need to be more discriminating while choosing your friends, as wrong emotional influences can become a stumbling block in your life.

Punarvasu : [20°0’ Gemini – 3°20’ Cancer]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Punarvasu is the seventh asterism of the zodiac. Punarvasu extends from 80°0’ to 93°20’ of the zodiac. The three quarters of this auspicious nakshatra resides in Gemini and the last quarter is placed in Cancer. It consists of five stars including both Castor and Pollux. This nakshatra is given a symbol of house as well as bow. The nakshatra itself is ruled by Jupiter. The first three quarters of the nakshatra which falls within Gemini is ruled by Mercury and the last quarter which comes under Cancer is ruled by Moon. The presiding deity of the asterism is Goddess Aditi. This nakshatra is full of rajas attribute or activities, both at primary and tertiary level with sattva at secondary level. The primary motivation of Punarvasu is Earth or directed activities.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

Punarvasu, the world is consists of two words – Punah and Vasu. Punah means repetition. Vasu means a ray of light or a jewel. The Vasus were dignified Vedic deities, eight in number and all are connected indirectly with this nakshatra. If we try to analyze the word Punarvasu then simple meaning comes to mind: repetition of rays. Rays are generated from light and the mystery of the word is if ray keeps on repeating itself then it will automatically take the form of light. The asterism itself represents universal life which can happen only with the support of ray or light. The nakshatra also implies the revival of certain aspects of initial life essence which was necessary for the evolutionary process.

Vasus are the very important deities of the universe. At the beginning of cosmic evolution they played a very essential role. The Vasus which are eight in number namely Apas (water), Prithvi (earth), Agni (fire), Chandra (moon), Pratyush (dawn), Dhruva (pole star), Vayu (air) and Prabhas (lustre) are very important elements for the preservation, nourishment, sustainability of the human and universal existence. Consciousness itself is energized by the Solar Logos. Aditi, the mother goddess creates the possible environment for the seed to eventually bear fruit. She is also bestowed with a great ability to gain wealth or substance. Aditi is also the Earth goddess capable of granting everything in plenty and gives birth to all the gods.

The asterism has two symbols, one is bow and another is house. The bow is the link between the archer and the target. In a way it operates as a launching pad. The archer is standing here but through aim wants to be somewhere else. Another symbol of the asterism is house which also implies the same meaning. The house is used by an occupant for resting and recuperation of energies so he can achieve his target. The occupant has to leave the house to go to his work place and after completing tasks he comes back to his house and gets ready for the next day.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Punarvasu – Jupiter – Mercury combination produces an exceptional mind with tremendous wisdom. Those born under this combination have the ability to become the launching pad between the archer and the target. Invariably, their own arrow establishes a perfect link in whatever they do in life. There is an impelling force to create essential conditions and background for themselves as well as for the people who follow them in future. They create a proper environment where fructification of efforts and the concretization of the will can take place easily. However, over intellectualization of their knowledge and wisdom can bring a steep downfall.

Punarvasu – Jupiter – Moon provides an almost ready platform from where the great drama of life can be enacted. Three-fourths of the Punarvasu nakshatra is covered by the previous sign Gemini and one-fourths by the present sign Cancer. If the Jupiter – Mercury combination works in a manner which puts two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen together two create the possible environment for these to get converted to water, the Jupiter – Moon works in tandem to induce electricity at a high velocity to create water in reality. This could be the difference when we compare Punarvasu in the two signs of Gemini and Cancer. Fructification of efforts becomes a reality rather than only a mirage. There is deep-rooted confidence in the person’s mind that if he takes the first step, then conquering even Mount Everest will become a reality.

You are blessed with a great capacity to work with a tremendously focused mind. The target is very clear to you and your total focus is on ways to achieve it. Most of your energy and time goes in positioning yourself. You work effortlessly and arouse your intellect to a level from where obtaining desired results is not difficult at all. Invariably, you work independently and attract the masses towards yourself with fantastic results. You are genuinely concerned for the ones you love and try your best to make things better.

You have clarity of goal at a very early age. There remains a great doubt on your ability for some but you are not one of those who give up their ideas after initial failures. You do not have any sort of confusion in your foresightedness but the environment in which you work always creates a major challenge for you. There is a huge gap between reality and vision and your greatness lies in the fact that you bridge this gap beautifully. There are two main reasons – one, you see the possibility to fulfill your dream and, second, you want to create a conducive environment for those who want to do something different but lack in vision.

Your Drawbacks: Overindulgence with the mind or intellect can create a stumbling block. Sometimes, a conflict between wisdom and logic also creates a lot of confusion in your mind. At times, you are too critical to be tolerated by others. Sometimes, you remain so unconcerned about the results that your efforts go in vain.

Your likes and dislikes are so strong that they create utter confusion in your life. If you are wrongly convinced of an issue or situation then you can go overboard, expressing yourself unnecessarily. Sometimes, others find it difficult to bear your ego or over-assessment of yourself. Often, you not objective nor are you able to take a macro view of the situation.

Ardra : [6°40’ – 20°0’ Gemini]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Ardra is the sixth nakshatra of the zodiac and it consists of a star, the bright star Betelgeuse, in the constellation Orion. Ardra extends from 66°40’ to 80°0’ of the zodiac. The entire asterism is within the sign of Gemini ruled by Mercury. The symbol of asterism is human head where mind presides and all thinking takes place. This symbol also looks like a precious gem. Its deity is Rudra, the lord of destruction and its planetary ruler is Rahu, also known as North Node of the Moon. Kama or desire is the primary motivation of the asterism. Its basic attribute is rajas, action, tamas at the secondary and sattva at the tertiary level. The Sanskrit meaning of Ardra is wet, soft, fresh, green, moist, shining like a gem.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

Ardra represents the human head, which is endowed with the capability to think Primarily mind operates on duality. On one level it is very obedient, systematic, organized and used his intelligence very discreetly to make it extremely powerful or potent. When the mind is on its righteous side then all kinds of construction and creativity take place. However, when it becomes self-righteous and governed by the ego and acts on impulse then it brings down its own destruction. Ardra also stands for freshness, newness and believes in direct perception of reality.

Ardra also derives its huge strength from its presiding deity god Rudra. Rudras are hugely powerful and are the energy centre of Lord Shiva. Human head is related to Ardra and has many more hidden meanings in it. It is also believed that the brain is formed according to the past karmas of the man and whatever he does in this birth his future is decided accordingly. That is why the possibility of man doing good or bad is unlimited. When he is on the constructive path then he can build empires and liberate himself forever and if he follows destructive ways then he is capable of destroying everything including himself. Hence meditation or yogic way of life is important to understand this jewel – mind.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: Ardra – Rahu – Mercury’s basic inspiration is of kama: intense passion or desire. Ardra also stands for freshness and delicacy, and it provides a gem like shine to the entire personality. Ardra also represents the huge reserves of the mind which are capable of converting clear plans into action. There is a tremendous enthusiasm, action-orientation and inherent urge for expansion. However, there is a danger of crossing the line and missing your power.

For you, self-identification is very important. Though, in the beginning, your energy is totally focused to give meaning to yourself, you also understand the mysteries of this world to a great extent. Your intuitive wisdom works towards demystifying the whole process. Intelligence is used to understand the mechanism of materialism and decode it. You do not seek help from outside, but are willing to extend a helping hand to those with whom you feel connected. Although you are very kind, a snobbish attitude remains a part of your persona in some form or the other.

Your Drawbacks: There are chances of your getting intoxicated with power and facing constant ups and downs in life. Abuse of power and too much attachment to materialism can cause a lot of problems. Sometimes your actions can cause a lot of pain to others. You can be quite volatile and egoistic which can complicate things in your life.

Mrigashira : [23°20’ Taurus – 6°40’ Gemini]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Mrigashira is the fifth nakshatra of the zodiac which can be found within the constellation of Taurus and Gemini which extends from 53°20’ to 66°40 of the zodiac. The nakshatra consists of three stars of the head of Orion. The asterism stands for searching star and establishing new relationships. The first half of nakshatra is ruled by Venus and the second half of nakshatra is governed by Mercury. The mansion itself is ruled by dynamic planet Mars. Its basic attribute is rajas, action and secondary and tertiary level it is tamas. The deity of Mrigashira is Som (Moon god) who imparts divinity and enlightenment with the help of mystic nectar. The primary motivation of Mrigashira is moksha, i.e., liberation.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

The literal meaning of Mrigashira is Antelope’s head. Mriga means the Antelope and Shira stands for head. The other meaning of Mrigashira is to strive, seek and search which could be aimed materialistically or spiritually. Mrigashira also means starting of a new journey or manifestation. Lord Krishna is also associated with this nakshatra when he said in Bhagavad Gita that among the months I am the Margashirsha. The present Dark Age or Kaliyug began with the vernal equinox in Mrigashira. It is also mentioned in many occult sciences that shift of earth from North Pole to South Pole or vice versa brings radical zoological changes and new evolutionary impulses take place. It is also believed that the last global phenomenon which is connected with present age or yug happens in Mrigashira. Lord Krishna also says in the Bhagavad Gita that the beginning and end of this universe happens due to my presence but I remain the non-involved one. Perhaps he was referring to this phenomenon.

Many auspicious stories are associated with this asterism. It has been mentioned in Shiva Purana that Uma, consort of Shiva was born in this nakshatra and later on Shiva and Uma got married in this nakshatra. The lord of Mrigashira nakshatra is the Moon god, Som who represents nectar that was distributed among the people who performed puja, prayer, yagya and meditation.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: The Mrigashira – Mars – Venus combination provides an environment from where growth can take place both inwardly and outwardly. There is a great urge to penetrate the realm of materialism and evaluate its pros and cons according to ones own understanding. It is very important to understand as well as investigate that worldly impact of possessions on the life of an individual. For the people born under this nakshatra, there is a tendency towards possessiveness. However, you feel a deeper urge to get out of this worldliness and understand the total phenomenon as a mirage; you soon get dissatisfied and look for inner consolation. Illusions and confusions clear with passage of time.

Mrigashira – Mars – Mercury prompts an individual to discriminate his thought process and come out with a clear cut picture of his future plans. The person is overcharged with futuristic thoughts and puts in all his energy without weighing the real worth of his thoughts. Mars – Mercury combination helps him to overcome his flaws. Mrigashira blesses him with positive energy so that the mission is accomplished.

You are blessed with tremendous energy and it takes you a while to channelize this reservoir. You are absolutely focused and work towards creativity. You understand that your perceptions have the potential to create a new world on their own. Once your thought process is clear to you then you put in all your efforts to achieve your goals. Primarily, you believe in yourself which is why you concentrate on your priorities and you hesitate to take support from others because deep down you know that you have the ability and potential to achieve your targets. The moment you conquer the heights, you are willing to provide total support to anyone else who wishes to do so.

There is a tremendous urge in you to always experience something new in life. There is an inherent dissatisfaction with your existence and disorientation is created by devastating events. Therefore, your entire energy works for corrective measures vis-à-vis different situations or events. You understand intuitively that a meaningful life can only be achieved by going through the process of duality. Once you find a path for yourself, you want to help those who matter to you.

Your Drawbacks: on the negative side of your personality is overindulgence in pleasures. If you are on this path, then your craving and need for seeking more comforts and pleasure could lead you towards a chaotic life. Sensory attachments become so deep that they also create a big problem for you.

You are over-sensitive and touchy about small issues and make a mountain out of a molehill. Sometimes, your fickle nature can also create serious problems. Seeking pleasure is like a mirage for you; you are not satisfied with what you get and it remains a chaser. Craving for materialism can have a negative impact.

Rohini : [10°0’ – 23°20’ Taurus]

CONSTITUENTS OF THE NAKSHATRA

Rohini is the fourth constellation of the zodiac which extends 40°0’ to 53°20’ of the zodiac. The entire asterism resides on Taurus, the Bull. Five stars of the constellation make Rohini most beautiful in the sky, including the bright red giant Aldebaran Alpha Taurus. Rohini is ruled by Moon whereas the sign Taurus is governed by Venus which represents the creativity of the entire cosmos. The symbol of this nakshatra is a chariot that transports royalty from one destination to another. The primary motivation of Rohini is moksha i.e., liberation. Its basic attribute is rajas, tamas at secondary and rajas at the tertiary level. The presiding deity of the constellation is Brahma or Prajapati, the creator of the universe who works on a cosmic design given to him by superior gods.

NAKSHATRA & ITS SHAPE

We may find many reference points of Rohini in various ancient literatures. According to Atharva Ved, Rohini was the consort of Rohit, the reddish Sun. it has been mentioned in ancient literature that out of the relationship between Rohini and Rohit, the heaven and earth were produced. Rohit was a powerful deity who also made the earth and heaven strong. It is also believed that he established light in the heaven. He had the ability to measure the space and atmosphere and through his grace gods attained immorality. His colour is bright red and deeply connected with the Sun. he is responsible for the very life force which gives shape to the entire manifestation. This shows that Rohini has huge creative energy which is totally dedicated to total creativity. Rohini is a centre of feminine energy which attracts male energy towards her for the purpose of procreation. It is also believed that through this constellation the fruit of ones actions are also realized.

There is another puranic story connected with Rohini and Moon. Out of 10 Prajapatis Daksha was the one. The king Daksha fathered 60 daughters out of which 27 were wedded to the Moon. Rohini was the most beautiful and sensuous among all her sisters. The Moon was hugely attracted towards her and started living with her only and ignored his all other wives. The other sisters of Rohini did not like the hostile attitude of the Moon and became very jealous and angry. They all approached Prajapati who in turn cursed the Moon and he started becoming ill (black). After seeing the precarious condition of the Moon all the sisters felt very bad and approached the father once again to pardon Moon. Once the curse was cast it could not be taken back therefore some amendments were made and from that day onwards Moon started waxing and waning in the sky.

NAKSHATRA TRAITS & PERSONALITY

Your Strengths: Rohini – Moon – Venus all three are associated with huge reserves of creative power. The Moon – Venus combination is one of the best poetic combinations from where the poetry of life starts taking new shape. This is a unique configuration which creates most suitable conditions from where the fruit of ones efforts starts ripening. It does not take very long for people belonging to this combination to connect with the world. Rohini functions at a universal conscious level which is beyond all rationality and reasoning. The transcendental consciousness also starts flowing through Rohini for world manifestation. It is noted that Lord Krishna was born when the Moon and its ascendant were in Rohini.

You have tremendous confidence in your potential. You work religiously to create an environment from where you can gain strength. There is a strong belief deep inside you that your efforts will bear fruit. This belief helps you set very high standards and prove your worth. An element of divinity is rooted in your psyche which helps you to achieve a higher awareness of your being; this inspires you to help humanity at large.

Your Drawbacks: You need not get too indulgent with your possessions as well as pleasures. A deeper involvement in sexual relationships can lead you to cross all social limits. Getting intoxicated with your success and the use of chemical substances can lead to your downfall.